"Come. Your glass is empty. Fill and forget." In one of the great works of American literature, Jack London tells a poignant tale of the power of addiction through his alter-ego, John Barleycorn. With alcohol as his sole companion, John travels across North America, living as a sailor, gold prospector, unemployed vagabond, and struggling novelist. Written with elegance and intelligence, and never shying away from the addiction that bedevilled him, A Drinking Life presents its author's arduous transformation from hard-bitten adventurer to renowned writer.